The following is the text of a news release from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding:
(STURGEON BAY, Wis.) — Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) has delivered an articulated tug-barge unit (ATB), tug Leigh Ann Moran and tank barge Mississippi, to Moran Towing Corp. Fincantieri Marine Group President and CEO Francesco Valente made the announcement.
This is the first complete ATB unit delivered to Moran under a 2014 contract, although another ATB barge was previously delivered in May. One more ATB unit, a 5,300-hp tug and 120,000-barrel barge, is scheduled for the second quarter of 2016. A similar model will be on display at the Fincantieri Marine Group booth at the International WorkBoat Show.
The Leigh Ann Moran is a 6,000-hp tug and the Mississippi is a 160,000-barrel barge. Its full load displacement, including lightship weight and cargo weight, is 24,259 long tons. The ATB unit will work the East Coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico.
“We are extremely pleased to deliver these vessels on time and within contracted costs,” said Valente. “The quality delivered on this workhorse ATB is a testament to the hard work and craftsmanship of the seasoned professionals of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, America’s premier shipbuilding team.”
